Using data and technology, smart cities have the potential to improve all aspects of livability and opportunity in a city– from transportation, the environment, economy, communities, engagement and social services.

The City is committed to continuously improving and modernizing public services, now and in the future – and we want to know what you think the biggest challenges facing Toronto are and your ideas for how innovation and technology can make a meaningful impact to life in Toronto.

Get Involved – Share your idea!

THINK BIG – complete this short survey to let us know what you think the most important challenges facing Toronto are and share your #smartcityTO ideas. Hardcopy surveys are also available at all Toronto Public Library branches.

West Toronto Support Services writes articles about events and news in the community that closely align with our agencies mission of living independently and promoting your health & wellness. Articles posted under community news don’t necessarily mean we directly endorse them – they are articles of interest that you can pursue further. We believe a healthy community is a diverse and connected community!

]]>https://wtss.org/2018/02/09/learn-more-about-smartcityto-and-get-involved/feed/0Clipboard01cmoresHelp to Get You Through Cold and Flu Seasonhttps://wtss.org/2018/02/07/help-to-get-you-through-cold-and-flu-season/
https://wtss.org/2018/02/07/help-to-get-you-through-cold-and-flu-season/#respondWed, 07 Feb 2018 15:08:17 +0000http://wtss.org/?p=5951Read more →]]>How do you protect yourself and those you care for from the cold and flu this winter.

This helps to flush out the virus invaders and reduce your risk of the infection settling in, says Julie. You can use the centuries-old Neti Pot, which looks something like a teapot and serves to flush out the nasal passages with a salt water solution you mix yourself. (But it’s very important to follow the instructions and use only distilled or sterilized water, not tap water.)

Alternatively, you can buy pre-mixed, pre-loaded saline nasal sprays at the drugstore, which Julie says have about the same salt-to-water ratio as your own tears. But even if you don’t manage to ward off that bug, rinsing out your sinuses can help to reduce the mucous and stuffy nose that always seem to accompany a cold.

2) Gargle with unpasteurized honey

Any non-pasteurized Canadian wildflower honey will do, but if you want one with a super powerful punch, Julie recommends Manuca honey from New Zealand, which is known for its high concentration of anti-bacterial elements. But all unpasteurized honeys, she says, contain hydrogen peroxide which helps to kill off microbes in your throat.

“There’s real science behind that,” she says. Julie recommends making a gargle solution out of warm water, not boiling, and dissolving a teaspoon of honey in it. Alternatively, you can drink ginger tea with lemon and honey, but let it cool down a bit before you add the honey so you preserve its active ingredients. You can also dissolve half a teaspoon of unpasteurized honey in your mouth, just like you would a lozenge.

3) Dig into that “ever-loving garlic”

“Raw garlic is so, so strong,” says Julie. The active ingredient in raw garlic is allicin and it’s known to have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, which she says “are especially great for lung infections.”

But make sure you eat it raw since its power is diminished in the cooking process. You can use this powerful nutraceutical in pesto, salad dressings and salsa.

4) Eat mushrooms

Certain mushrooms, like Shiitake, are very good for preventing colds and flu, Julie says, and are especially easy to add to soups.

5) Stay super hydrated

“Viruses love dry sinuses, plus our whole immune system runs on fluid,” says Julie. “So if you suspect you’re getting a cold, make some tea right away and drink at least 10 cups throughout the day.”

And avoid alcohol, which has high sugar content and is dehydrating. “White sugars have been shown to slow the white blood cells response to infection,” Julie says. (Sorry, but those Hot Rum Toddies you always thought were good for a cold are not on her list.)

So does Julie ever get sick herself?

Not much, she says. “The only thing that takes me down is missing sleep, then getting on a plane. Planes are so dry and crowded. You’ve got all those people coughing in a tiny little cabin. I always advise people to power hydrate during their entire flight. After clearing security, buy one of those huge water bottles and make sure you drink the whole thing. That little half a cup of fluid they give you on board just doesn’t cut it.”

A Community News blog post

West Toronto Support Services writes articles about events and news in the community that closely align with our agencies mission of living independently and promoting your health & wellness. Articles posted under community news don’t necessarily mean we directly endorse them – they are articles of interest that you can pursue further. We believe a healthy community is a diverse and connected community!

]]>https://wtss.org/2018/02/07/help-to-get-you-through-cold-and-flu-season/feed/0dddcmoresLet’s make a bigger difference in 2018! Remember, every interaction on #BellLetsTalk counts.https://wtss.org/2018/01/31/lets-make-a-bigger-difference-in-2018-remember-every-interaction-on-bellletstalk-counts/
https://wtss.org/2018/01/31/lets-make-a-bigger-difference-in-2018-remember-every-interaction-on-bellletstalk-counts/#respondWed, 31 Jan 2018 14:19:40 +0000http://wtss.org/?p=5995Read more →]]>The winter chill has really begun to set in over the past few weeks. You might be feeling a little down due to the end of the holiday season, but for almost fifteen percent of Canadians, the shift in weather causes notable depressive cycles more commonly referred to as the “winter blues”. Another two percent of Canadians suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression causing severe depression during certain seasons. These forms of depression often run their course undiagnosed, and sufferers rarely discuss their symptoms due to the stigma surrounding mental illness. As such, victims of Seasonal Affective Disorder and the “winter blues” are at greater risk of suicide at this time of the year.

There is hope for these individuals, and for all sufferers of mental illness. Various government-funded programs and support groups exist for the sole purpose of helping sufferers of depression, addiction and other disorders in their journey towards recovery. To help them advantage of these resources we need to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. Bell Let’s Talk Day aims to educate the general population about mental illness, and promote discussion surrounding its prevalence in today’s digitally-driven society. By raising our voices together, we can make it easier for those who suffer from mental illness of all kinds to get the help they need. Read the facts below to learn more about mental illness in preparation for this much-needed health awareness day.

How many people suffer from mental illness in Canada? What effect does this have on my loved ones.
The Canadian Mental Health Association reports that one in five Canadians is experiencing a form of mental illness at any given time. In simpler terms, there is a good chance that you know someone who lives with the struggles of mental illness. Around half of all Canadians will personally experience a mental health disorder at some time during their lives. Although common, the effects of these disorders can be life-threatening when not handled accordingly. Suicide – commonly driven by mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety – is the leading cause of death amongst adolescents and young adults. The best way to prevent these deaths is with education and support.

What can I do to help on Bell Let’s Talk Day?
Tweet about your experiences with mental illness, or send a text to a loved one who might be in need of a helping hand. Every social media post with the hashtag #BellLetsTalk will result in a five cent donation towards mental health initiatives. Alternate ways of supporting via call and text are also available.

Bell also offers a free mental health toolkit with all the information you need to build a positive space for mental health discussion wherever you are. Have a look at it by exploring the Let’s Talk website below:https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/

How can I help those around me with mental illness?
Become a supporter of good mental health by practicing the following good habits:

Mind your language. Refrain from using harmful words like “schizo” or “crazy”, and instead refer to mental illnesses and their sufferers with respect. After all, such disorders are not things to poke fun at; they drastically affect the way people live every day.

Empathize. Talking with mental illness sufferers help you gain a better understanding of their disorders, while letting them know that someone cares. Sometimes, even the smallest gesture of kindness can set the stage for recovery.

Stand up for those who can’t. If you witness prejudice against those with poor mental health, do something about it! Confront the offenders and explain why their actions were wrong. Try to get them to see the issue from a new perspective. By educating others about the prevalence of mental illness in our society, we can make the world a safer place for sufferers, aiding them on the road to recovery.

Clearly, mental health is just as important as its physical counterpart. So why don’t more people take first aid courses that cover mental health emergencies? St. John Ambulance offers a mental first aid course which teaches you everything you need to keep victims of mental health crises calm until emergency medical services arrive.

A Community News blog post

West Toronto Support Services writes articles about events and news in the community that closely align with our agencies mission of living independently and promoting your health & wellness. Articles posted under community news don’t necessarily mean we directly endorse them – they are articles of interest that you can pursue further. We believe a healthy community is a diverse and connected community!

]]>https://wtss.org/2018/01/31/lets-make-a-bigger-difference-in-2018-remember-every-interaction-on-bellletstalk-counts/feed/0cmoresKey areas to address in anticipation of or in response to taking over a parent’s financeshttps://wtss.org/2018/01/30/key-areas-to-address-in-anticipation-of-or-in-response-to-taking-over-a-parents-finances/
https://wtss.org/2018/01/30/key-areas-to-address-in-anticipation-of-or-in-response-to-taking-over-a-parents-finances/#respondTue, 30 Jan 2018 18:18:47 +0000http://wtss.org/?p=6010Read more →]]>Reposted from the Financial Post to help educate our WTSS Clients and Caregivers.

Author: Jason Heath is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and income tax professional for Objective Financial Partners Inc. in Toronto, Ontario.

While this summary will hardly be exhaustive, I am going to touch on some of the key areas to address in anticipation of or in response to taking over a parent’s finances. Let us assume that there is either an outright requirement for you take over their affairs due to health problems or that there is an explicit request made by them to you to do so.

CASH FLOW

Take a close look at your parent’s income and expenses to make sure you know how they are funding their lifestyle and whether it is sustainable. If your involvement in their financial affairs is due to a physical or mental impairment that could result in higher medical or care costs, it is important to get a sense of what those future costs could be and how best to fund them.

You should talk about whether care in the home or care in a facility is preferable. If a home will not be sold, it may impact how you draw down on their investments, borrow against their home or provide support yourself.

If there are insufficient financial resources to fund future expenses, it is important to come up with a game plan early. The plan may be for family members to help pay for care costs or for a parent to move in with you or a sibling. And if the best alternative is for a parent to eventually move into a government subsidized long-term care facility, it is important to note that wait lists can be long and priority is given to those who need the help the most.

TAX

Make sure your parent’s tax returns are up to date. Some seniors are prone to owing money on their tax filing since neither investment income nor minimum withdrawals from a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) are required to have tax withheld at source. Some seniors may also be entitled to government benefits that are based on their annual tax filing and will not be paid if a tax return is not filed.

You can have your parent sign a form T1013 to authorize you as their tax representative with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

If your parent has a severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment, they may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit.

There are other tax deductions and credits related to medical expenses, caregivers or modifications to a home that you should investigate as well.

INVESTMENTS

A parent will be able to authorize your involvement with their bank or investment adviser, whether you all take part in discussions, they give you trading authority or you formally take over accounts as power of attorney for property.

The first thing you should do with your parent’s investments is take inventory of what they have in the first place. Statements are a good starting point, but check out past tax returns to see if they had tax slips from companies that are not included in their investment statements.

It is not uncommon, for example, for someone to own shares of a company that are held with a custodian, or shares of an insurance company they received because they owned a life insurance policy when the Canadian insurers demutualized in the 1990s. They may not get an investment statement in this case — possibly just a T5 slip each February. T5 and T3 slips will help you match up investment income to investment accounts.

Once you have everything summarized on one page, you can take stock of whether they have enough money to fund their future expenses, whether on your own or with the help of a professional. You can also get a sense of what they are invested in and whether they have a suitable overall asset allocation.

My experience has been that older investors are more prone to having their savings stashed in high-fee mutual funds that were the only investment game in town in the 1980s and 1990s. The available alternatives have significantly evolved over the past 20 years. You should be considering whether your parents are paying a reasonable fee for their investments and whether their asset allocation is appropriate.

If you find yourself solely responsible for their investments or you have the green light from a parent to consider alternatives, avoid the tendency to do things the way they have always been done. A different investment strategy or a different investment company may be well worth pursuing.

Be mindful of tax considerations from selling investments and most importantly, treat the money like it belongs to your parent. Some children have a tendency of treating what could someday be their inheritance like it belongs to them before it really does.

ESTATE PLANNING

Make sure your parent’s will and powers of attorney are up-to-date. I encountered a situation recently where a power of attorney for an incapacitated senior was signed incorrectly, so up-to-date not only includes accurate, but also, valid.

If a parent is still of sound mind, they can change their beneficiary designations, so make sure account and insurance beneficiary designations are all accurate as well. In some cases, naming their estate may be fine, but in others, it may be advantageous for a parent to name individuals as beneficiaries.

Joint partner and alter ego trusts can be effective tools for seniors with large estates in provinces with high probate fees, besides providing additional benefits.

Beware the common, often misguided advice to place assets into joint ownership between your parents, you and your siblings. There can be tax, estate and family law consequences that arise from this practice.

INSURANCE

Determine life insurance polices that are in-force and confirm any required ongoing premiums.

Review health and long-term care insurance policies to see which medical expenses are covered now or may be covered in the future.

SUMMARY

There is a good chance you will be called upon someday to assist with a parent’s finances. It may be a role you play for many years or it may more short-lived.

A parent’s money belongs to them until they give it away or until they die. Respect this fact and respect if they choose not to talk to you about their finances. I think it is important for children to try to talk to their senior parents about money, even if it is short, sweet and high-level. You do not necessarily need to know all the details.

And for parents out there who think they are going to manage their financial affairs well into their 90s, it is certainly possible, and I hope that is the case for you. But also consider the possibility that a time will come when you least expect it and your family will be managing your financial affairs. They may really want to talk to you about it, but not know where to start. You could always be the one to start the conversation.

A Community News blog post

West Toronto Support Services writes articles about events and news in the community that closely align with our agencies mission of living independently and promoting your health & wellness. Articles posted under community news don’t necessarily mean we directly endorse them – they are articles of interest that you can pursue further. We believe a healthy community is a diverse and connected community!

]]>https://wtss.org/2018/01/30/key-areas-to-address-in-anticipation-of-or-in-response-to-taking-over-a-parents-finances/feed/0sleepcmoresMark your Calendar: January 25, 2018 – The link between our ears, the brain and dementiahttps://wtss.org/2018/01/23/mark-your-calendar-january-25-2018-the-link-between-our-ears-the-brain-and-dementia/
https://wtss.org/2018/01/23/mark-your-calendar-january-25-2018-the-link-between-our-ears-the-brain-and-dementia/#respondTue, 23 Jan 2018 14:30:11 +0000http://wtss.org/?p=6014Read more →]]>Join Alzheimer Society Toronto for their first AST Speaker Series event of 2018 with guest speakers from Baycrest! This talk is titled, “Mind Your Hearing: The link between our ears, the brain, and dementia.” You will learn about:

• How aging affects the way we process sound

• How to get help for hearing loss

• How to protect your hearing

• Hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia

Guest Speakers:

Marilyn Reed is a Practice Advisor with Baycrest’s Audiology Department and an instructor with the University of Toronto’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Dr. Claude Alain is a Senior Scientist at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute who studies the brain in relation to hearing and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Medical Science and the Department of Psychology.

West Toronto Support Services writes articles about events and news in the community that closely align with our agencies mission of living independently and promoting your health & wellness. Articles posted under community news don’t necessarily mean we directly endorse them – they are articles of interest that you can pursue further. We believe a healthy community is a diverse and connected community!

]]>https://wtss.org/2018/01/23/mark-your-calendar-january-25-2018-the-link-between-our-ears-the-brain-and-dementia/feed/0alzcmoresAST Speaker Series: Mind Your Hearing New Year’s Resolution: Get More Sleephttps://wtss.org/2018/01/22/new-years-resolution-get-more-sleep/
https://wtss.org/2018/01/22/new-years-resolution-get-more-sleep/#respondMon, 22 Jan 2018 15:57:51 +0000http://wtss.org/?p=6000Read more →]]>Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions? We suggest getting more sleep in 2018!

Nearly one out of five people sometimes have trouble with insomnia. It is often difficult to say why someone is sleeping poorly. Using relaxation techniques and changing sleeping habits can help you fall asleep faster and get more restful sleep.

The aim of relaxation techniques is to achieve physical and mental relaxation. They are meant to reduce physical tension and interrupt the thought processes that are affecting sleep. Studies show that people who have learned relaxation techniques sleep a bit longer at night. The main benefit of the relaxation techniques was being able to fall asleep somewhat more quickly. But these approaches don’t help everyone.

There are different types of relaxation techniques:

Progressive muscle relaxation, also called Jacobson’s or deep muscle relaxation: This technique involves tensing groups of muscles all over the body one by one and then consciously relaxing them again. You can learn muscle relaxation by visiting a course or using an audio training course.

Autogenic training (AT): Autogenic training involves focusing awareness on different parts of the body and consciously relaxing them. At an advanced level, even involuntary bodily functions like pulse and breathing can be influenced to achieve deep physical relaxation. Autogenic training is taught in courses.

Biofeedback: This method helps you to feel how your body reacts to tensing and relaxing. It involves placing electrodes on your body to measure muscle tension, your pulse and brain activity. You can monitor these different measurements on a screen and see how muscle relaxation or thinking particular thoughts affects them. Biofeedback can be done at the doctor’s or by using a portable biofeedback device at home once you’ve been instructed in how to use it.

Imagery (visualizations): Another common type of relaxation training is imagery, where you visualize peaceful, pleasant scenes or imagine yourself breathing quietly, gently falling asleep and having a good night’s sleep.

Studies suggest that changing your sleeping habits can help improve the quality of your sleep. People who had been instructed about sleep habits slept more peacefully and didn’t wake up as often. There are courses that teach you about how you can change your sleeping habits. In these studies a typical course lasted four weeks with one session per week.

There are many different things you can do to change your sleeping habits. Here we list some of the more common ones. But it is difficult to tell from the research which of them are most likely to work.

Sleep hygiene

The following set of “sleep hygiene” habits can have a positive effect:

Not drinking alcohol, coffee or tea and avoiding other stimulants four to six hours before going to bed.

Avoiding smoking before bedtime or during the night.

Avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before going to bed.

Getting more physical exercise during the day, but avoiding exercise right before going to bed.

Trying to make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and not too hot or cold.

West Toronto Support Services writes articles about events and news in the community that closely align with our agencies mission of living independently and promoting your health & wellness. Articles posted under community news don’t necessarily mean we directly endorse them – they are articles of interest that you can pursue further. We believe a healthy community is a diverse and connected community!

]]>https://wtss.org/2018/01/22/new-years-resolution-get-more-sleep/feed/0sleepcmoresJanuary is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month #ilivewithdementiahttps://wtss.org/2018/01/11/january-is-alzheimers-awareness-month-ilivewithdementia/
https://wtss.org/2018/01/11/january-is-alzheimers-awareness-month-ilivewithdementia/#respondThu, 11 Jan 2018 16:43:27 +0000http://wtss.org/?p=6002Read more →]]>The Alzheimer Society announced today that while awareness about dementia has increased, stigma and negative attitudes around it continue to persist. The Society is releasing findings of a new survey to coincide with Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in January and to kick off its new social awarenesscampaign –I live with dementia. Let me help you understand – to spark conversations and encourage Canadians to see dementia differently.

The Leger-led survey, which questioned 1500 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65 online, also reveals that 46%of respondents would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia, while 61% of those surveyedsaid they would face discrimination of some kind. The survey also shows that one in four Canadians believe that their friends and family would avoid them if they were diagnosed with dementia, and only five per cent of Canadianswould learn more about dementia if a family member, friend or co-worker were diagnosed.

“Theseresults validate our thinking,that stigma is one of the biggest barriers for people with dementia to live fully with dignity and respect,” says Pauline Tardif, CEO at the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “The findings underscore the work we must still do to end stigma once and for all. There is no shame in having dementia. We can’t let negative perceptions stand in the way of people with dementia seeking help and support. Life withoutdiscriminationis a right for anyone affected by this disease.”

To tackle stigma, the Alzheimer Society is letting the experts do the talking—people living with dementia. People like Roger Marple. For this proud father and grandfather, who developed young onset Alzheimer’s three years ago at age 57, his diagnosis was a tough pill to swallow. But with time, Roger overcame his initial shock and sadness. He had too many dreams to pursue. “I still do things that have meaning in my life, like getting out, playing golf and travelling. I’ll continue to enjoy life for as long as I possibly can to the best of my abilities. Isn’t that what we all aspire to do?”

Roger and others invite Canadians to hear their inspiringstories and take a few pointers from them on how to be open and accepting towards people with dementia.

Their stories are featured on a dedicated campaign website, where visitors will also find tips on how to be more dementia-friendly, activities to test their knowledge,and other resources to take action against stigma and be better informed about a disease that has the potential to impact every single one of us.

To help stop stigma and read the full survey, visit ilivewithdementia.ca – and usethehashtag #ilivewithdementia to help spread the word.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the main causes of dementia. Did you know that it accounts for approximately 80% of all cases of dementia in Canada?

West Toronto Support Services writes articles about events and news in the community that closely align with our agencies mission of living independently and promoting your health & wellness. Articles posted under community news don’t necessarily mean we directly endorse them – they are articles of interest that you can pursue further. We believe a healthy community is a diverse and connected community!

]]>https://wtss.org/2018/01/11/january-is-alzheimers-awareness-month-ilivewithdementia/feed/0featurecmoresEnding the stigma around Alzheimer’s diseaseCongratulations to staff for 10 years plus!https://wtss.org/2017/12/21/congratulations-to-staff-for-10-years-plus/
https://wtss.org/2017/12/21/congratulations-to-staff-for-10-years-plus/#respondThu, 21 Dec 2017 14:15:53 +0000http://wtss.org/?p=5983Read more →]]>

At our recent AGM, we recognized those staff members that have provided dedicated service for over 10 years at WTSS (an amazing 30% of our entire staff) for their unfailing commitment. We are very proud of the outstanding service of all our staff and volunteers.

These 10 plus tenured staff members embody our values, values that are critical to meet our mission. Please watch this video and help us to congratulate them on their successes over their years of service!

]]>https://wtss.org/2017/12/21/congratulations-to-staff-for-10-years-plus/feed/0Clipboard01cmoresWTSS-logoWTSS Holiday Hours 2017https://wtss.org/2017/12/19/wtss-holiday-hours-2017/
https://wtss.org/2017/12/19/wtss-holiday-hours-2017/#respondTue, 19 Dec 2017 21:25:31 +0000http://wtss.org/?p=5973Read more →]]>Wishing you a safe and happy Holiday Season from the West Toronto Support Services Team!

Please note that we have holiday hours below. Contact your program staff if you have any questions or need assistance over the break. We’ll be back in the New Year!

WTSS Holiday Season Hours

The West Toronto Support Service offices will be closed on the following days:

Monday, December 25, 2017

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Monday, January 1, 2017

Our news blog will be taking a break at the end of this week and will be returning in January.

‘Tis the holiday season! Sticking to your healthy eating plan can be more difficult at this time of the year, but don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s great to enjoy the foods you love, but it’s also important to remember that a healthy diet is important to optimal aging. Try to stay the healthy course with your festive eating habits, while giving yourself some wiggle room to indulge.

GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that happens each year after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s a time when Canadians, charities and businesses come together to celebrate giving and participate in activities that support charities and non-profits.

“We have two days that are good for the economy. Now we have a day that is good for the community too.”

In honour of GivingTuesday’s 5th year in Canada, CanadaHelps is giving you a chance to WIN a $5,000 donation for your favourite charity! Enter for your chance to win and tell them what you plan to do this GivingTuesday: volunteer, donate, fundraise or spread the word.

This contest closes Tuesday, November 28th, 2017.

A West Toronto Support Services (WTSS) news blog post.

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